Journal of Buddhist Studies Chulalongkorn University

“Heaven and Hell are in the Mind” From the Buddhist Canon to Explanation by Somdet Phra Buddhaghosacariya (P.A.Payutto)

Thanapol Tayeechan — 2024-05-02

The article aims to survey the concept of hell and heaven as explained by Somdet Phra Buddhaghosacariya (P.A.Payutto) in works and lectures and analyze the explanation. It is the documentary research of the publications. It is found that, in his view, hell and heaven are not the subject for a direct reference to Buddhist scripture. There should be some points to consider and treat the subject, which is significantly related to Kalamasutta, Buddha’s teaching about discretion. He categorizes the concept into 3 levels: 1) hell and heaven as cited from the Pali canon, the planes of existence in Buddhist cosmology where the result of bad and good deeds appears after death; 2) hell and heaven as the qualities of mind, which the beings in hell and heaven normally have; 3) hell and heaven as the unsatisfying and satisfying feelings, which the beings normally perceive. He emphasizes the concept of hell and heaven in the second and third level, which human can experience and perceive. Having experienced and perceived suffering and happiness from the hell and the heaven, one should realize their role in creating the good or bad results. Hell and heaven perceived with mind and perceptions is regarded as the new explanation from the physical or cosmological one to the mental qualities that relates to the doctrine of Karma. It can also widely and conveniently be communicated to the senses of feeling and reasoning of the people nowadays.

Buddhist Principles and Public Welfare Rescue Group Operations Supported by Buddhist Institutions in Northern Thailand

Saichol Panyachit — 2024-05-02

Socially engaged Buddhism is an attempt to adjust the role of Buddhist institutions in order to adapt to the changing ways of life in society. In line with this idea, this study examines how Buddhist principles are applied in public welfare operations of rescue groups supported by Buddhist institutions in three areas of northern Thailand. Qualitative data was obtained from interviews together with documentary studies and fieldwork. Thirty monks/laypeople who are involved in the public welfare operations of the rescue groups supported by Buddhist institutions participated in this study. The objectives of this study include analyzing the essence as well as the application of the principles of dharma in the public welfare operations of the rescue groups and examining the development and recommendation of policy for Buddhist volunteerism in the public welfare operations of the rescue groups according to Buddhist principles.

The research found that the core principles of dharma exist at the basic level in the thoughts or minds of these rescue groups in support of their voluntary effort in order to achieve maximum benefit within the context of Saṅghahadhura, which is service to society or serving the society with service mind. When performing their operations, such as rescuing effort, the groups apply the principles of dharma to their tasks in an orderly way: before, during, and after operations. With regard to the development and recommendation of policy for Buddhist volunteerism, the groups demonstrate the connection with Buddhist principles in determining their group’s mission and the development of Buddhist volunteerism, leading to the beginning of sustainable and efficient participation in the public welfare operations of the rescue groups.

Building Fraternity in Multicultural Society: A Buddhist Perspective

Thanasith Chatsuwan — 2024-05-07

The objectives of this research are: (1) to study the current socio-political conditions that result in conflicts at both individual and social levels within a multicultural society; (2) to explore ethical principles of society and moral principles of citizens in a multicultural society based on Buddhist teachings; and (3) to propose guidelines based on Buddhist teachings for building fraternity to help solve individual and social conflicts that arose from diversity in identity, ethnicity, belief systems, religious, linguistic, and aesthetic backgrounds, as well as political ideals. This research article proposes the Buddhist concepts of loving-kindness and tolerance as the basis for developing fraternity for a peaceful coexistence in a multicultural society.

Morality and Corruption Prevention

Pagorn Singsuriya — 2024-05-07

Morality is usually found as a component in measures proposed for corruption prevention. Underlying presuppositions are that corruption is opposite to morality, and moral cultivation leads to corruption prevention. However, these two presuppositions are problematic from the philosophical perspective. A conceptual analysis showed that, according to the mainstream view, morality is not a component of the concept of corruption. As a result, cases can be found in which moral persons commit corruption. The concept of immoral corruption, then, has to be considered in order to provide a framework for corruption prevention through morality.

Applying the Seven Virtues of a Gentleman to Enhance Goodness

Natthakit Anuruktrakoon — 2024-05-07

This article springs from a profound interest in the promotion of goodness. Despite prior applications of ethical principles and legal enforcement, the issue of fraud and corruption remain unresolved. Consequently, I have here chosen to study the Seven Virtues of a Gentleperson to enhance goodness. They delineate the seven fundamental criteria for the recognition of a good person. The research examines relevant literature and presents a thorough analysis of how to implement the Seven Virtues of a Gentleperson.

The study reveals that fostering the Seven Virtues of a Gentleperson in individuals may lead to a more virtuous society.The practice of mutual kindness engenders a positive environment, reduces instances of fraud and corruption, and contributes to a more pleasant community within our society.

Budda to ha dare ka (8)

Fukita Takamichi — 2024-05-02

แปลจาก 吹田隆道『ブッダとは誰か』東京：春秋社, 2013。 (Takamichi, Fukita. Budda to ha dare ka. Tokyo: Shunjusha Publisher, 2013.)
** 吹田隆道 (Takamichi, Fukita) อาจารย์พิเศษมหาวิทยาลัยบุคเคียว เมืองเกียวโต